Rocio Hollman
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I've always loved asking questions and science, so to learn that you could have a job doing research was a dream! I chose to pursue a graduate degree as it seemed like the perfect training to become a better investigator. It also is such a special time in your life where you get to meet interesting people from all over the world and have a very collaborative workspace.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Having done my undergrad at UBC I knew that not only were the labs stunning, but so is the campus! I wasn't ready to leave such a beautiful place just yet.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
UBC's graduate neuroscience program is unique in that there are neuroscientists from a wide range of disciplines all working in the same program. This meant that our introductory core courses covered a broad range of neuroscience topics and would ensure I became a strong, well rounded neuroscientist. It also means that collaborations across labs may yield exciting unexpected results. It just seemed like a very collaborative and forward-thinking program.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The amazing student run clubs. I'm part of the triathlon club and have met some of my best friends and made amazing memories training and racing with them. There are so many clubs that you're certain to find one that works for you!
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I most enjoy the creativity that comes with the process of asking how you'll test something. I like the troubleshooting and collaboration with my labmates when I'm learning a new technique, and I LOVE when you finally get to see an experiment work (after often months of it not working).
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Figuring out what exactly I want to be my research domain. There are so many interesting problems and things I am interested in, it's hard to envision picking one area and sticking with that for the rest of my career. Also writing grants...that seems tough!
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
I get exposed to world-class leading investigators through the UBC DMCBH weekly colloquiums, this has helped me get a taste for different neuroscience topics and which ones I might want to investigate in my future career.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Volunteering in labs as an undergraduate student helped me determine that I liked research and should consider doing graduate school.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Swim, bike, and run my way all around campus! The UBC pool is a state of the art facility and is free to all students (and even has a steam room!), you can find me there often after work. I also enjoy to paint and make fun, new recipes.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
To make sure you find a community. Graduate life can get hard. Experiments don't always work and it can be easy to feel like you don't know anything. Having a good group of people to support you and help find other aspects in your life that also fulfill you is key to being a happy grad student.